Myakka Wildlife Tours

An airboat tour or wildlife tram tour offers a memorable opportunity to get up-close to Florida’s birds and wildlife in their own natural environment. The Myakka River is the only river in Florida to be designated a Wild and Scenic River, which guarantees the preservation and management of the river for many generations to come. It is set within the Myakka River State Park which is one of the state’s oldest and largest state parks.

Myakka Park Guided Pontoon Boat Tours

Guided scenic cruises on Upper Myakka Lake. During the eco-tour, you’ll learn what makes Myakka unique among America’s freshwater lakes, hear intriguing stories about alligator, anhinga, sandhill cranes, and other Florida wildlife. The leisurely boat tour is fun and informative for all ages and offers a safe and smooth ride so you’ll have no problem taking photographs to bring home from your vacation. Tours are offered daily at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. during the summer months.

See Wildlife on a Myakka Park Tram Tour

The Myakka Safari Tram Tour is a three-mile loop into the center of Myakka River State Park where public vehicle access is prohibited. The knowledgeable tour guide will share information about the parks history, the culture and lifestyle of Myakka’s pioneers, and wildlife points of interest. This one-hour narrated tour offers an opportunity to see wild turkey, deer, alligators, and a variety of birds.

The 58 passenger Myakka Wildlife Tram tour departs at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 2:30 p.m. December 16 through May. Tours are not offered June 1 to December 15th.

Each tour lasts approximately one hour. These educational and fun tours are sure to be a highlight of your visit to Sarasota and are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Please note that tickets sold at the ticket booth for tours that day starting at 9 a.m. Please note that during peak season and holidays, tickets may sell out hours in advance of scheduled tours.Learn more about Myakka Wildlife Tours in this featured blog article.

The main road of Myakka River State Park is a seven-mile scenic drive with a posted speed limit of 15-25 mph. The road winds through shady hammocks, grassy marshes, and along the upper lake which is great seen by car, bike, or foot. You have a good opportunity to see deer, rabbits, and other native Florida wildlife.

The drive from the main entrance to the Myakka Wildlife Tours ticket booth is 4 miles. The speed limit is strictly enforced within the Park!

NOTE: If using a GPS when you use the physical address you should be directed to the South Gate or main entrance to Myakka River State Park. IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE NORTH, YOU MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE NORTH GATE ENTRANCE WHICH IS NOT ALWAYS OPEN. The North Gate may be closer to you, but you will not be able to enter except 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on WEEKENDS and STATE HOLIDAYS.